Side airbag device

ABSTRACT

A side airbag device capable of preventing interference between a harness and an airbag is provided between a vehicle body and a seat. The side airbag device includes an airbag module including an inflatable airbag and an inflator supplying a gas into the airbag, a base member including an airbag storage portion having a concave shape and storing the airbag module and is attached between a vehicle body door and the seat, and a retainer member holding the airbag storage portion from the rear side of the vehicle body. The base member includes a first through hole through which a harness of the inflator is inserted and a flange which is formed in the periphery of the first through hole. The retainer member includes a second through hole through which the harness of the inflator is inserted and which is provided at a position facing the first through hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/977,658, filed on Sep. 2, 2020, which, in turn, is a National StageEntry of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2019/010103, filed on Mar. 12, 2019.Further, this application claims the benefit of priority from JapaneseApplication Numbers 2018-045811, filed on Mar. 13, 2018, and 2018-045812filed on Mar. 13, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a side airbag device and particularlyto a side airbag device provided in a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, as a side airbag device which is disposed between avehicle body door and a seat in a vehicle body width direction, oneincluding an inflator which injects a gas into an airbag, a box-shapedstorage casing which stores the airbag and the inflator, and a resinousbase cover which covers the storage casing from the front side of avehicle body is known (for example, see Patent Literatures 1 and 2).

Here, in the side airbag device described in Patent Literature 1, whenthe airbag stored in the storage casing is inflated by the inflator, theairbag breaks a thin portion of the base cover on the front side of thevehicle body and is inflated and deployed.

Specifically, the inflator is connected to a vehicle battery provided onthe vehicle body via a harness. When a predetermined amount or more ofimpact is applied from the side of the vehicle body, igniting electricpower is supplied from the vehicle battery to the inflator via theharness and the airbag is inflated and deployed on the lateral side ofthe occupant.

With the above-described configuration, according to the side airbagdevice, it is possible to alleviate an impact applied to an occupantsitting on the seat.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PATENT LITERATURE 1: JP 2006-88850 A-   PATENT LITERATURE 2: WO 2012/035619 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Incidentally, in the side airbag device of Patent Literature 1, sincethe inflator is stored in the storage casing on the rear side of thevehicle body of the base cover, a shape in which the harness extendsfrom the vehicle battery toward the inflator inside the storage casingbecomes complex.

For that reason, when the harness was freely moved and rotated due tothe vibration applied from the occupant, the vibration of the vehiclebody, or the like, there was concern that the harness interfered withthe airbag when inflating and deploying the airbag.

Particularly, in the case of the side airbag device disposed in a spacebetween the vehicle body and the rear seat, since an operation in whichcomponents were attached in a narrow space was performed, it wasnecessary to prepare a countermeasure in which the harness was disposedso as to not to interfere with the airbag.

Further, in the vehicle seat according to the above-described relatedart, the stay cloth bracket for attaching the stay cloth that guides thedeployment direction of the airbag is attached to the outside of a basemember storing the airbag. In this way, when the stay cloth bracket isattached to the outside of the base member, the side airbag deviceincreases in size.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-describedcircumstances and an object thereof is to realize a miniaturization of aside airbag device provided between a vehicle body and a seat.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a sideairbag device capable of preventing interference between a harness andan airbag.

Solution to Problem

The above-described problems are solved by a side airbag deviceaccording to the present invention, the side airbag device providedbetween a vehicle body and a seat including: an airbag module thatincludes an inflatable airbag and an inflator supplying a gas into theairbag; a base member that includes an airbag storage portion having aconcave shape and storing the airbag module, and is attached between avehicle body door and the seat; and a retainer member that holds theairbag storage portion from the rear side of the vehicle body, in whichthe base member includes a first through hole through which a harness ofthe inflator is inserted and a flange which is formed in the peripheryof the first through hole, and in which the retainer member includes asecond through hole through which the harness of the inflator isinserted and which is provided at a position facing the first throughhole.

According to the side airbag device, the harness of the inflator can bepassed through the base member and the retainer member without bypassingthe outside of the base member and the retainer member. Accordingly, theharness can be disposed so as not to interfere with the airbag.

In the side airbag device, the airbag storage portion may include abottom portion and a side wall portion which extends forward from thebottom portion and the first through hole may be formed in the bottomportion.

Therefore, since the first through hole is formed in the bottom portionon the rear surface side of the base member, it is possible to prevent adecrease in rigidity of the base member.

In the side airbag device, an inner peripheral surface of the flange maybe continuous to the first through hole.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the harness from contacting theretainer member.

In the side airbag device, the first through hole may be provided abovean upper end of the inflator.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in rigidity of theairbag storage portion holding the inflator in the base member.

In the side airbag device, the airbag storage portion may include a bossportion which projects backward from the bottom portion and the firstthrough hole may be provided below the boss portion.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the harness from contacting theboss portion.

In the side airbag device, the retainer member may include a bossportion inserting through hole through which the boss portion is passed.

Therefore, it is easy to position the base member and the retainermember.

In the side airbag device, the first through hole may be formed at aposition vertically aligned with the boss portion.

Therefore, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the area includingthe first through hole in the base member in the up to down direction.

In the side airbag device, the retainer member may include a harnessattachment portion for attaching the harness thereto and the secondthrough hole may be provided below the harness attachment portion.

Therefore, the harness can be held so as to extend upward in relation tothe second through hole. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently usea space behind the retainer member.

The side airbag device may include a stay cloth which guides thedeployment of the airbag and the first through hole may be provided at aposition closer to the seat than a fracture portion to which a front endof the stay cloth is attached.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interference of componentsinside the seat by providing the first through hole on the seat sidehaving an available layout compared to the vehicle body door side.

In the side airbag device, the base member may include a skin pull-inslit which is formed in an area adjacent to the airbag storage portion.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interference between thepull-in skin end portion and the harness.

The side airbag device further includes: a stay cloth which guides thedeployment of the airbag; and a stay cloth bracket which attaches thestay cloth thereto, in which the stay cloth bracket is attached whilebeing in contact with an inner surface of the airbag storage portion.

Therefore, the stay cloth bracket is attached to the airbag storageportion of the base member. Accordingly, the stay cloth bracket can bedisposed so as not to protrude toward the outside of the airbag storageportion. For that reason, it is possible to miniaturize the side airbagdevice.

In the side airbag device, the airbag storage portion may include abottom portion and a side wall portion which extends forward from thebottom portion and the stay cloth bracket may be attached while being incontact with the side wall portion of the airbag storage portion.

Therefore, the stay cloth bracket can be attached to the side wallportion of the airbag storage portion. Accordingly, the distance betweenthe stay cloth bracket and the fracture portion is shortened compared toa case in which the stay cloth bracket is attached to the bottom portionof the airbag storage portion. For that reason, it is possible toshorten the stay cloth.

In the side airbag device, the stay cloth bracket may include anattachment portion which is attached to the side wall portion of theairbag storage portion and a first extending portion which extends whilebeing bent from the attachment portion and the first extending portionmay include a first stay cloth holding portion which holds a first staycloth.

In this way, the attachment portion attached to the airbag storageportion and the first extending portion to which the first stay cloth isattached are bent and connected to each other. For that reason, it ispossible to prevent the stay cloth bracket from being separated from thebase member since the first stay cloth is pulled.

In the side airbag device, the stay cloth bracket may include a convexportion which is formed in the periphery of the first stay cloth holdingportion and projects forward.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first stay cloth holdingportion and the base member from contacting each other. Accordingly, itis possible to prevent the first stay cloth from contacting the basemember.

In the side airbag device, the stay cloth bracket may include a secondextending portion which extends while being bent from the attachmentportion, the second extending portion may include a second stay clothholding portion which holds a second stay cloth, and the secondextending portion may be connected to the attachment portion on the sideopposite to the first extending portion and extend to the side oppositeto the first extending portion.

Therefore, it is possible to cancel the tensile force between the firststay cloth and the second stay cloth. Accordingly, it is possible toprevent the stay cloth bracket from being separated from the basemember.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to dispose theharness so as not to interfere with the airbag.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decreasein rigidity of the base member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent theharness from contacting the retainer member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decreasein rigidity of the airbag storage portion holding the inflator in thebase member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent theharness from contacting the boss portion.

According to the present invention, it is easy to position the basemember and the retainer member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve therigidity of the area including the first through hole in the base memberin the up to down direction.

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently usethe space behind the retainer member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent theinterference of the components inside the seat.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent theinterference between the pull-in skin end portion and the harness.

According to the present invention, it is possible to miniaturize theside airbag device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the staycloth.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the staycloth bracket from being separated from the base member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the firststay cloth from contacting the base member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cancel the tensileforce between the first stay cloth and the second stay cloth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement of a sideairbag device of the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an attachment structure of a first staycloth and a second stay cloth with respect to a fracture portion.

FIG. 4 is a diagram in which the side airbag device is obliquely viewedfrom a rear side.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the side airbag device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an attachment state of a base memberand a retainer member.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the side airbag device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the retainer member.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of theretainer member.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of the retainer member.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the base member.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a staycloth bracket.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the stay cloth bracket.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the stay cloth bracket while the first staycloth and the second stay cloth are attached.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a side airbag deviceaccording to a modified example.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a retainermember according to the modified example.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a side airbag device 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention (hereinafter, an embodiment) will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 18 .

The side airbag device 1 according to the embodiment is provided betweena seat S provided behind a driver seat of a vehicle such as anautomobile and a vehicle body door D constituting a part of a vehiclebody B.

Additionally, the embodiment to be described below is merely an examplefor facilitating the understanding of the present invention and does notlimit the present invention. That is, the shapes, dimensions, andarrangements of the members described below can be changed and improvedwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention and thepresent invention, of course, includes equivalents thereof.

In the description below, the “front to back direction” means the frontto back direction when viewed from the seated occupant of the seat S andis a direction that coincides with the traveling direction of thevehicle.

The “seat width direction” means the lateral width direction of the seatS and coincides with the right and left direction when viewed from theseated occupant of the seat S. Additionally, the outside of the seatwidth direction is a direction toward the vehicle body door D on theside closer to the side airbag device 1 and the inside of the seat widthdirection is a direction on the opposite side.

Further, the “up to down direction” means the height direction of theseat S and coincides with the up to down direction when the seat S isviewed from the front side.

<Configuration of Side Airbag Device 1>

The side airbag device 1 of the embodiment is a device for alleviatingan impact applied from the side of the vehicle body to the seatedoccupant. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the side airbag device 1 isdisposed between a seat back S1 which is a backrest portion of the seatS and the vehicle body door D of the vehicle body B in the vehicle bodywidth direction.

Additionally, in the embodiment, the side airbag device is disposed oneach of the right and left outer sides of the seat S in the vehicle bodywidth direction.

The side airbag device 1 includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 , anairbag module 10, a base member 20, and a retainer member 50 as maincomponents.

Additionally, an airbag 11 of the airbag module 10 is omitted in FIG. 5.

The airbag module 10 includes the airbag 11 which is an inflatable bagbody and an inflator 12 which supplies a gas into the airbag 11 as maincomponents.

The inflator 12 is, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 , an elongatedsubstantially columnar gas generating device and is disposed so as to beelongated in the up to down direction.

Two bolts 13 are attached to the inflator 12 so as to protrude outwardfrom the inflator 12. Although it will be described in detail later,each of two bolts 13 is fastened to the nut 16 through an openingportion 28 of the base member 20, a bolt insertion hole 49 of a staycloth bracket 40, and a bolt insertion hole 51Ca of the retainer member50. Accordingly, the inflator 12, the stay cloth bracket 40, and theretainer member 50 can be fastened to each other.

Additionally, the airbag 11 is folded in a normal state, that is, anon-operation state of the airbag module 10. Then, when an operationsignal (igniting electric power) is input to the inflator 12 via aharness 14, the inflator 12 generates a gas and injects a gas into theairbag 11 so as to inflate the airbag 11.

Here, the right and left sides of the airbag 11 in the seat widthdirection are respectively surrounded by the first stay cloth 31 and thesecond stay cloth 32. Since the first stay cloth 31 is disposed on theinside of the seat width direction with respect to the airbag 11, thefirst stay cloth referred to as an inner stay cloth. Further, since thesecond stay cloth 32 is disposed on the outside of the seat widthdirection with respect to the airbag 11, the second stay cloth referredto as an outer stay cloth.

The first stay cloth 31 and the second stay cloth 32 are generallyreferred to as a stay cloth 30 and the stay cloth 30 is a member thatguides the deployment direction of the airbag 11 toward a fractureportion 70.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first stay cloth 31 includes afirst loop-shaped end portion 31A which is a rear end attached to thestay cloth bracket 40 and a first sewn portion 31C which is a front endattached to the fracture portion 70 which is a tear line. Here, thefirst loop-shaped end portion 31A of the first stay cloth 31 is an endportion which is formed in a loop shape by sewing two cloth piecestogether in a first loop sewn portion 31B.

Similarly, the second stay cloth 32 includes a second loop-shaped endportion 32A which is a rear end attached to the stay cloth bracket 40and a second sewn portion 32C which is a front end attached to thefracture portion 70 which is a tear line. The second loop-shaped endportion 32A of the second stay cloth 32 is an end portion which isformed in a loop shape by sewing two cloth pieces together in the secondloop sewn portion 32B.

Then, the first sewn portion 31C of the first stay cloth 31 and thesecond sewn portion 32C of the second stay cloth 32 are sewn to thefracture portion 70 provided in a skin material 71 that covers the frontsurface of the airbag module 10. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the fracture portion 70 of the skin material 71 is attached betweenthe first stay cloth 31 and the second stay cloth 32.

When the airbag 11 is inflated and deployed, the first sewn portion 31Cof the first stay cloth 31 and the second sewn portion 32C of the secondstay cloth 32 are respectively pulled in a separation direction by theairbag 11, the fracture portion 70 is broken, so that the airbag 11 popsout from the fracture portion 70. Therefore, when a certain amount ormore of impact is applied to the vehicle, the airbag 11 is deployed fromthe fracture portion 70 between the seat back S1 and the vehicle bodydoor D, so that an impact applied to an occupant can be alleviated.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the first sewn portion 31C ofthe first stay cloth 31 and the second sewn portion 32C of the secondstay cloth 32 have different lengths in the up to down direction.Specifically, the second sewn portion 32C is longer than the first sewnportion 31C. Therefore, the vicinity of the center of the fractureportion 70 is broken first when deploying the airbag 11 and then theairbag 11 can be inflated and deployed upward from the vicinity of thecenter. Further, since the airbag 11 is inflated from the vicinity ofthe center of the fracture portion 70, the scattering amount of a pad 72which is a seat cushion material can be reduced.

<Configuration of Stay Cloth Bracket 40>

Next, the configuration of the stay cloth bracket 40 that holds the rearend of each of the first stay cloth 31 and the second stay cloth 32 willbe described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16 .

The stay cloth bracket 40 is a metal member that includes a firstextending portion 41, a second extending portion 42, and an attachmentportion 43.

The attachment portion 43 is provided with a bolt insertion hole 49through which the bolt 13 of the inflator 12 inserted and is fastened tothe inflator 12 and the retainer member 50 while the bolt 13 of theinflator 12 is inserted therethrough.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the attachment portion 43 is disposed in adirection extending in the front to back direction while the stay clothbracket 40 is attached to the base member and the retainer member 50. Inthis case, the first extending portion 41 is located at the front sideof the attachment portion 43 and the second extending portion 42 islocated at the rear side of the attachment portion 43.

That is, the first extending portion 41 is a portion which extends fromthe front end of the attachment portion 43 outward in the seat widthdirection. Then, the second extending portion 42 is a portion whichextends inward in the seat width direction from the rear end of theattachment portion 43.

A first slit portion 45 is formed in the stay cloth bracket 40 from theattachment portion 43 to the first extending portion 41. Specifically,the first slit portion 45 includes a first opening portion 45A, a firstbent portion 45B, and a first stay cloth holding portion 45C.

The first opening portion 45A is a slit area which is formed from afirst end portion 40A to a second end portion 40B of the attachmentportion 43.

The first bent portion 45B is a slit area which extends from an endopposite to the first end portion 40A in the first opening portion 45Atoward the first extending portion 41.

The first stay cloth holding portion 45C is a slit area which isconnected to the first bent portion 45B and extends along thelongitudinal direction of the first extending portion 41.

Additionally, the first bent portion 45B is connected to the first staycloth holding portion 45C between both ends of the first stay clothholding portion 45C in the longitudinal direction.

When attaching the first stay cloth 31 to the stay cloth bracket 40, thefirst loop-shaped end portion 31A of the first stay cloth 31 is passedthrough the first stay cloth holding portion 45C through the firstopening portion 45A and the first bent portion 45B. Therefore, asillustrated in FIG. 16 , the first loop-shaped end portion 31A of thefirst stay cloth 31 is held by the first stay cloth holding portion 45C.

Additionally, as described above, since the first bent portion 45B isconnected between both end portions of the first stay cloth holdingportion 45C in the longitudinal direction, the first loop-shaped endportion 31A held by the first stay cloth holding portion 45C is hard tocome off from the first stay cloth holding portion 45C.

Then, the bolt 13 of the inflator 12 is passed through the boltinsertion hole 49 of the attachment portion 43 after passing the firstloop-shaped end portion 31A of the first stay cloth 31 through the firststay cloth holding portion 45C, so that the stay cloth bracket 40 andthe inflator 12 are fixed. Here, since two bolt insertion holes 49 areformed so as to straddle the first bent portion 45B, the first bentportion 45B of the first slit portion 45 can be blocked by the inflator12 after attaching the inflator 12 to the stay cloth bracket 40. Forthat reason, it is possible to prevent the first loop-shaped end portion31A of the first stay cloth 31 from coming off from the stay clothbracket 40 through the first bent portion 45B.

Further, a convex portion 41A which projects forward is formed in theperiphery of the first stay cloth holding portion 45C. Since the convexportion 41A is formed in this way, a void can be formed in front of thefirst stay cloth holding portion 45C. For that reason, it is possible toprevent the first stay cloth 31 held by the first stay cloth holdingportion 45C from being strongly sandwiched between the stay clothbracket 40 and another member (for example, the airbag 11).

Further, a concave portion 47 is formed on both sides of the first staycloth holding portion 45C in the first extending portion 41. Since theconcave portion 47 is formed in this way, a void can be formed behindthe first stay cloth holding portion 45C. For that reason, it ispossible to prevent the first stay cloth 31 held by the first stay clothholding portion 45C from being strongly sandwiched between the staycloth bracket 40 and another member (for example, a first side wallportion 23A).

Further, a second slit portion 46 is formed in the stay cloth bracket 40from the attachment portion 43 to the second extending portion 42.Specifically, the second slit portion 46 includes a second openingportion 46A, a second bent portion 46B, and a second stay cloth holdingportion 46C.

The second opening portion 46A is a slit area which is formed from thesecond end portion 40B to the first end portion 40A of the attachmentportion 43.

The second bent portion 46B is a slit area which extends from an endopposite to the second end portion 40B in the second opening portion 46Atoward the second extending portion 42.

The second stay cloth holding portion 46C is a slit area which isconnected to the second bent portion 46B and extends along thelongitudinal direction of the second extending portion 42.

Additionally, the second bent portion 46B is connected to the secondstay cloth holding portion 46C between both ends of the second staycloth holding portion 46C in the longitudinal direction.

When attaching the second stay cloth 32 to the stay cloth bracket 40,the second loop-shaped end portion 32A of the second stay cloth 32 ispassed through the second stay cloth holding portion 46C through thesecond opening portion 46A and the second bent portion 46B. Therefore,as illustrated in FIG. 16 , the second loop-shaped end portion 32A ofthe second stay cloth 32 is held by the second stay cloth holdingportion 46C.

Additionally, since the second bent portion 46B is connected betweenboth end portions of the second stay cloth holding portion 46C in thelongitudinal direction as described above, the second loop-shaped endportion 32A held by the second stay cloth holding portion 46C is hard tocome off from the second stay cloth holding portion 46C.

Further, a convex portion 48 is formed on both sides of the second staycloth holding portion 46C in the second extending portion 42. Since theconvex portion 48 is formed in this way, a void can be formed in frontof the second stay cloth holding portion 46C. For that reason, it ispossible to prevent the second stay cloth 32 held by the second staycloth holding portion 46C from being strongly sandwiched between thestay cloth bracket 40 and another member (for example, the airbag 11).

Further, a bead portion 44 is formed in the stay cloth bracket 40 overthe first extending portion 41, the attachment portion 43, and thesecond extending portion 42. This bead portion 44 has a shape protrudingtoward the airbag 11. Since the bead portion 44 is provided in the staycloth bracket 40 in this way, it is possible to improve the rigidity ofthe portion pulled in the opposite directions by the first stay cloth 31and the second stay cloth 32. Accordingly, it is possible to improve thestability of holding the first stay cloth 31 and the second stay cloth32 using the stay cloth bracket 40.

Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6, and 8 , at least a part of the staycloth bracket 40 is attached while overlapping the opening portion 28formed in the base member 20.

Specifically, a part of the attachment portion 43 of the stay clothbracket 40 and the second extending portion 42 are attached whileoverlapping the opening portion 28.

Further, nylon coating may be applied to the surface of the stay clothbracket 40. Therefore, a sharp portion of the stay cloth bracket 40 iscoated and the abrasion and damage of the first stay cloth 31 and thesecond stay cloth 32 can be prevented.

<Configuration of Base Member 20>

Next, the configuration of the base member 20 will be described.

The base member 20 is formed of a resinous plate-shaped member to beused as a substrate of the side airbag device 1 and is used to store, asillustrated in FIG. 2 , the airbag module 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the base member 20 includes a base memberbody portion 20A which is provided with an airbag storage portion 21having a concave shape and storing the airbag module 10, and a lowerprojecting portion 20B which projects downward from the base member bodyportion 20A.

The base member body portion 20A includes a front surface portion 20Aawhich constitutes the outside of the seat width direction in relation toa pull-in groove 20Ab provided at a substantially center portion of theseat width direction and an airbag storage portion 21 which is providedon the inside of the seat width direction in relation to the pull-ingroove 20Ab as main components.

The front surface portion 20Aa is provided at a position continuous tothe front surface of the seat back S1 of the seat S. Further, the airbagmodule 10 is stored in the airbag storage portion 21 and then the pad 72is provided in front of the airbag module 10. Then, the pad 72 and thefront surface portion 20Aa are covered with the skin material 71.

Here, the pull-in groove 20Ab which extends in the up to down directionis formed in a boundary portion between the front surface portion 20Aaand the airbag storage portion 21 as described above. A plurality ofskin pull-in slits 27 are formed in this pull-in groove 20Ab at apredetermined interval. In other words, the skin pull-in slit 27 isformed in an area adjacent to the airbag storage portion 21 in the basemember 20.

Then, an end portion of the skin material 71 is passed through the skinpull-in slit 27 so that the skin material 71 can be hung and fixed.

Additionally, the end portion of the skin material 71 is passed throughthe skin pull-in slit 27 and is pulled and fixed toward the sideopposite to the airbag storage portion 21 storing the airbag module 10(that is, from the skin pull-in slit 27 toward the outside of the seatwidth direction).

Next, the detail of the configuration of the airbag storage portion 21will be described.

The airbag storage portion 21 is formed as a portion having asubstantially U-shaped cross-section and recessed toward the rear sideof the seat in relation to the front surface portion 20Aa. Specifically,the airbag storage portion 21 includes a bottom portion 22 which is awall portion on the rear side of the seat and side wall portions 23which extend from the right and left sides of the bottom portion 22toward the front side of the seat.

Additionally, one provided on the inside of the seat width direction inthe side wall portions 23 is referred to as a first side wall portion23A and one provided on the outside of the seat width direction in theside wall portions 23 is referred to as a second side wall portion 23B.

A first through hole 24 is formed in the bottom portion 22. The firstthrough hole 24 is a circular hole and a flange 25 which projectsbackward is formed in the periphery of the first through hole 24.Specifically, an inner peripheral surface 25A of the flange 25 iscontinuous to the first through hole 24. Additionally, the flange 25 isinserted through a second through hole 52 of the retainer member 50 tobe described later, so that the first through hole 24 of the base member20 and the second through hole 52 of the retainer member 50 are disposedat a facing position (specifically, an overlapping position).

The harness 14 which is connected to the inflator 12 is passed throughthe first through hole 24 and the second through hole 52 as illustratedin FIG. 4 . Therefore, the harness 14 of the airbag module 10 disposedin front of the base member can be passed to the rear side of the basemember 20 and the retainer member 50 without bypassing the outside ofthe base member 20.

Here, the position of the first through hole 24 will be described. Asillustrated in FIG. 7 , the first through hole 24 is provided above theupper end 12A of the inflator 12.

Additionally, in FIG. 7 , the inflator 12 is separated from the sideairbag device 1 and the inflator 12 is shown so as to correspond to theattachment position in the up to down direction.

Further, the first through hole 24 is provided above the opening portion28 in the up to down direction.

Further, the first through hole 24 is provided at a position verticallyaligned with the boss portion 26 in the up to down direction.Specifically, the first through hole 24 is provided below the bossportion 26.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the first through hole 24 isprovided at a position closer to the seat S than the fracture portion 70to which the front end of each of the first stay cloth 31 and the secondstay cloth 32 is attached in the seat width direction.

Then, in the base member 20, the opening portion 28 is formed from thebottom portion 22 to the first side wall portion 23A. Specifically, theopening portion 28 is formed by stamping a part of the bottom portion 22and a part of the first side wall portion 23A. When the opening portion28 which is continuous to the bottom portion 22 and the first side wallportion 23A is formed in this way, the stamping directions are pluralcompared to a case in which an opening is formed in any one of thebottom portion 22 and the first side wall portion 23A, so that thestamping operation is facilitated.

The opening portion 28 is formed below the first through hole 24 at aposition in which at least a part of the opening portion 28 and thefirst through hole 24 overlap each other in the seat width direction.

Then, at least a part of the stay cloth bracket 40 is disposed in theopening portion 28.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the second extending portion 42and the attachment portion 43 of the stay cloth bracket 40 are disposedat a position overlapping the opening portion 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the attachment portion 43 of the stay clothbracket 40 is disposed while being in contact with the first side wallportion 23A which is the inner surface of the airbag storage portion 21.Additionally, an opening upper end 28A of the opening portion 28 isformed with a semi-circular upper edge so that the bolt 13 passestherethrough.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a side wall front end 23Aa of thefront end of the first side wall portion 23A is bent in a U shape. Then,the outer end portion 41B located on the outside of the first extendingportion 41 of the stay cloth bracket 40 in the seat width direction isprovided so as to surround the side wall front end 23Aa.

Further, a boss portion 26 which projects backward is provided above thefirst through hole 24 in the airbag storage portion 21. The boss portion26 is formed in a hollow columnar shape and is passed through a bossportion inserting through hole 53 of the retainer member 50.

Then, a bolt insertion hole 29 through which a bolt 15 provided at theupper end of the airbag module 10 passes is formed above the bossportion 26 in the airbag storage portion 21. Additionally, the boltinsertion hole 29 is provided at a position facing the upper throughhole 58 of the retainer member 50. Then, the upper portions of theairbag module 10, the base member 20, and the retainer member 50 arerespectively fastened by the bolt 15.

Then, the lower projecting portion 20B is provided below the frontsurface portion 20Aa. A through hole 20Ba is formed in the lowerprojecting portion 20B. A bolt is passed through the through hole 20Baof the base member 20 and a first fastening portion 61 of the retainermember 50 and is fastened so that the base member 20 and the retainermember 50 are fixed.

More specifically, the lower projecting portion 20B of the base member20 and a retainer attachment portion 60 of the retainer member 50 arefixed.

<Configuration of Retainer Member 50>

Next, the configuration of the retainer member 50 will be described.

The retainer member 50 is a metallic holding member that holds theairbag storage portion 21 of the base member 20 from the rear side ofthe vehicle body.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10 , the retainer member 50 includes aretainer body portion 51 which holds the airbag storage portion 21 and aretainer attachment portion 60 which is provided below the retainer bodyportion 51.

The retainer body portion 51 is formed to have a substantially U-shapedcross-section. Specifically, the retainer body portion 51 includes aretainer rear wall portion 51A which is disposed to face the bottomportion 22 of the airbag storage portion 21 and a first retainer sidewall portion 51B and a second retainer side wall portion 51C whichextend toward the front side of the seat from both end portions of theretainer rear wall portion 51A in the vehicle body width direction.

A third fastening portion 57, the boss portion inserting through hole53, the second through hole 52, and a bead portion 56 are formed in theretainer rear wall portion 51A in order from above to below.

The third fastening portion 57 is a hole which is formed at a positionfacing the bolt insertion hole 29 of the base member 20 and is fastenedby using the bolt 15.

The boss portion inserting through hole 53 is a hole through which theboss portion 26 of the base member 20 passes and, as illustrated in FIG.7 , the boss portion inserting through hole 53 is formed to have a sizeslightly larger than the cross-section of the boss portion 26.

The second through hole 52 is a hole which is formed at a positionfacing the flange 25 and the first through hole 24 of the base member20. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , the second through hole 52 isformed to have a size slightly larger than the cross-section of theflange 25.

Then, the harness 14 of the airbag module 10 is passed through thesecond through hole 52 and the first through hole 24 from the frontsurface side toward the rear surface side of the side airbag device 1.

Additionally, the second through hole 52 and the boss portion insertingthrough hole 53 are formed at the positions aligned in the up to downdirection. In other words, the second through hole 52 and the bossportion inserting through hole 53 are disposed at a position in which atleast a part of them overlap each other in the seat width direction.

Further, the bead portion 56 which extends in the up to down directionis formed below the second through hole 52 in the retainer rear wallportion 51A. The bead portion 56 is a portion which is processed so asto project toward the rear side of the seat and, as illustrated in FIG.7 , the bead portion 56 is provided at a position overlapping theinflator 12 attached to the airbag storage portion 21 in the up to downdirection.

Then, the first retainer side wall portion 51B of the retainer bodyportion 51 constitutes an outer side wall of the seat width directionand the second retainer side wall portion 51C constitutes an inner sidewall of the seat width direction.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 10 , a plurality ofconcave portions 55 which are aligned in the up down direction areformed in a corner portion which connects the retainer rear wall portion51A and the first retainer side wall portion 51B. The concave portion 55is a portion which is depressed toward the front side of the seat.

Similarly, the plurality of concave portions 55 are formed in the cornerportion which connects the retainer rear wall portion 51A and the secondretainer side wall portion 51C.

Since the concave portion 55 is formed in this way, it is possible toprevent the deformation of the first retainer side wall portion 51B andthe second retainer side wall portion 51C with respect to the retainerrear wall portion 51A. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the firstretainer side wall portion 51B and the second retainer side wall portion51C from being widened to the right and left sides with respect to theretainer rear wall portion 51A.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7, and 10 , a harness attachmentportion 54 which holds a metal fitting attached to the harness 14 isprovided in the first retainer side wall portion 51B.

The harness attachment portion 54 may be an opening or one including ametal fitting attached to the opening.

Additionally, the harness attachment portion 54 is provided at aposition higher than the second through hole 52 in the up to downdirection. Specifically, the harness attachment portion 54 is providedat the substantially same height as that of the boss portion insertingthrough hole 53 in the up to down direction.

Then, since the harness attachment portion 54 is provided at a positionhigher than the second through hole 52, the harness 14 passed throughthe second through hole 52 is held while being bent upward.

The retainer attachment portion 60 which extends downward is provided inthe main body lower end portion 59 of the retainer body portion 51. Inthe embodiment, the retainer attachment portion 60 is bonded to the mainbody lower end portion 59 by welding, but the present invention is notlimited thereto. For example, the retainer body portion 51 and theretainer attachment portion 60 may be bonded to each other using afastening tool such as a bolt and a nut or the retainer body portion 51and the retainer attachment portion 60 may be integrally formed witheach other.

The retainer attachment portion 60 is a metallic plate-shaped memberthat extends downward while being curved from the inside toward theoutside in the seat width direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the retainer attachment portion 60 includesa main surface portion 60A which forms a surface and side surfaceportions 60B which are formed by bending both ends of the main surfaceportion 60A. In other words, the side surface portions 60B are wallportions which erect perpendicularly from both end portions of the mainsurface portion 60A.

The main surface portion 60A is formed so that a width becomes narrowerfrom above toward below and a circumferential bead portion 63 isprovided at a position surrounding the first fastening portion 61 at thesubstantially center portion of the up to down direction. Thecircumferential bead portion 63 is formed in a slightly convex shapetoward the front side of the seat.

Further, a bent portion 64 is formed in the vicinity of the lower endportion of the retainer attachment portion 60 so as to cross thecircumferential bead portion 63. Specifically, the retainer attachmentportion 60 is bent toward the front side of the seat in the bent portion64. The bent portion 64 is formed so as to be inclined downward from theinside to the outside of the seat width direction.

Further, the first fastening portion 61 and the second fastening portion62 are formed in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the mainsurface portion 60A. Specifically, the first fastening portion 61 andthe second fastening portion 62 are provided below a curved portion 60Aain which the main surface portion 60A is curved in the seat widthdirection.

The first fastening portion 61 is a hole which is provided at a positionfacing the through hole 20Ba of the lower projecting portion 20B of thebase member 20. Specifically, a bolt is inserted through the firstfastening portion 61 and the through hole 20Ba and is fastened by a nutso that the retainer member 50 (the retainer attachment portion 60) andthe base member 20 are fixed.

Additionally, the first fastening portion 61 is formed inside thecircumferential bead portion 63 and above the bent portion 64.

Further, the second fastening portion 62 is formed below thecircumferential bead portion 63 in the main surface portion 60A.

The second fastening portion 62 is a portion which is fastened to thevehicle body B (for example, a seat frame of the seat S, a tire house,or the like). Specifically, the second fastening portion 62 is a throughhole which is formed in the retainer attachment portion 60 and theretainer attachment portion 60 is fastened to the vehicle body B bypassing a bolt through the second fastening portion 62 so that theretainer member 50 (the retainer attachment portion 60) is fixed to thevehicle body B.

As described above, all of the first fastening portion 61 and the secondfastening portion 62 are provided at separate positions in the vicinityof the lower end portion of the retainer member 50.

Then, since the first fastening portion 61 is provided above the bentportion 64 and the second fastening portion 62 is provided below thebent portion 64, it is possible to perform the fastening operations ofthe first fastening portion 61 and the second fastening portion 62 atdifferent angles.

Further, since the first fastening portion 61 is formed inside thecircumferential bead portion 63, it is possible to increase theattachment rigidity of the retainer member 50 and the base member 20.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , a folded portion 60Ba is formed atthe upper end of the side surface portion 60B at the lower end of theretainer attachment portion 60. The folded portion 60Ba is a portion inwhich the upper end of the side surface portion 60B is folded backdownward, so that the rigidity of the side surface portion 60B isimproved. For that reason, it is possible to improve the attachmentrigidity of the retainer member 50 and the vehicle body B.

SUMMARY

Major characteristics of the side airbag device 1 according to theabove-described embodiments are as follows.

[1] The side airbag device 1 is provided between the vehicle body B andthe seat S. The side airbag device 1 includes the airbag module 10 thatincludes the inflatable airbag 11 and the inflator 12 supplying a gasinto the airbag 11, the base member 20 that includes the airbag storageportion 21 having a concave shape and storing the airbag module 10 andis attached between the vehicle body door D and the seat S, the staycloth 30 which guides the deployment of the airbag 11, and the staycloth bracket 40 to which the stay cloth 30 is attached. The stay clothbracket 40 is attached while being in contact with the inner surface ofthe airbag storage portion 21.

According to the side airbag device 1, the stay cloth bracket 40 isattached to the airbag storage portion 21 of the base member 20.Accordingly, the stay cloth bracket 40 can be disposed outside theairbag storage portion 21 so as not to project. For that reason, it ispossible to miniaturize the side airbag device 1.

[2] In the side airbag device 1, the airbag storage portion 21 includesthe bottom portion 22 and the side wall portion 23 extending forwardfrom the bottom portion 22 and the stay cloth bracket 40 is attachedwhile being in contact with the side wall portion 23 of the airbagstorage portion 21.

Therefore, the stay cloth bracket 40 can be attached to the side wallportion 23 of the airbag storage portion 21. Accordingly, the distancebetween the stay cloth bracket 40 and the fracture portion 70 isshortened compared to a case in which the stay cloth bracket 40 isattached to the bottom portion 22 of the airbag storage portion 21. Forthat reason, it is possible to shorten the stay cloth 30.

[3] In the side airbag device 1, the stay cloth bracket 40 includes theattachment portion 43 which is attached to the side wall portion 23 ofthe airbag storage portion 21 and the first extending portion 41 whichextends while being bent from the attachment portion 43. The firstextending portion 41 includes the first stay cloth holding portion 45Cwhich holds the first stay cloth 31.

In the side airbag device 1, the attachment portion 43 which is attachedto the airbag storage portion 21 and the first extending portion 41 towhich the first stay cloth 31 is attached are bent and connected to eachother. For that reason, it is possible to prevent the stay cloth bracket40 from being separated from the base member 20 since the first staycloth 31 is pulled.

[4] In the side airbag device 1, the stay cloth bracket 40 includes theconvex portion 41A which is formed in the periphery of the first staycloth holding portion 45C and projects forward.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first stay cloth holdingportion 45C and the base member 20 from contacting each other.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the first stay cloth 31 fromcontacting the base member 20.

[5] In the side airbag device 1, the stay cloth bracket 40 includes thesecond extending portion 42 which extends while being bent from theattachment portion 43. The second extending portion 42 includes thesecond stay cloth holding portion 46C which holds the second stay cloth32 and the second extending portion 42 is connected to the attachmentportion 43 on the side opposite to the first extending portion 41 andextends to the side opposite to the first extending portion 41.

Therefore, it is possible to cancel the tensile force between the firststay cloth 31 and the second stay cloth 32. Accordingly, it is possibleto prevent the stay cloth bracket 40 from being separated from the basemember 20.

[6] In the side airbag device 1, the stay cloth bracket 40 includes thebead portion 44 which is formed over the first extending portion 41, theattachment portion 43, and the second extending portion 42.

Therefore, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the first extendingportion 41, the attachment portion 43, and the second extending portion42. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the loadreceiving portion while suppressing an increase in weight of the staycloth bracket 40.

[7] In the side airbag device 1, the stay cloth bracket 40 includes thefirst slit portion 45 which is formed over the first extending portion41 from the first end portion 40A of the attachment portion 43. A partof the first slit portion 45 becomes the first stay cloth holdingportion 45C.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first stay cloth 31 from comingoff from the first stay cloth holding portion 45C.

[8] In the side airbag device 1, the first extending portion 41 extendsfrom the front end of the attachment portion 43 toward the vehicle bodydoor D, the first stay cloth holding portion 45C is disposed in front ofthe base member 20, and the first stay cloth 31 extends forward from thefirst stay cloth holding portion 45C.

Therefore, the distance from the first stay cloth holding portion 45C tothe fracture portion 70 is shortened. Accordingly, it is possible toshorten the first stay cloth 31.

[9] In the side airbag device 1, at least a part of the first stay clothholding portion 45C is disposed on the outside of the seat widthdirection in relation to the side wall front end 23Aa corresponding tothe front end of the side wall portion 23 of the airbag storage portion21.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the airbag 11 from contacting thefirst stay cloth holding portion 45C when deploying the airbag 11.Accordingly, it is possible to improve the deployment stability of theairbag 11.

[10] In the side airbag device 1, the outer end portion 41B on theoutside of the seat width direction in the first extending portion 41 isbent so as to surround the side wall front end 23Aa.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the stay clothbracket 40 when deploying the airbag 11.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a retainer member 50A which is a modifiedexample of the retainer member 50. In FIG. 17 , the airbag 11 of theairbag module 10 is omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 , the retainer member 50A isdifferent from the retainer member 50 in that the retainer body portion51 and the retainer attachment portion 60 are integrally formed witheach other and the other points are common.

Additionally, the retainer member 50A may be formed of the same material(for example, metal) at that of the retainer body portion 51 of theretainer member 50.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which theside airbag device 1 is provided in the rear seat of the vehicle hasbeen described, but the side airbag device 1 may be provided in thefront seat or the rear seat from the second row.

Further, the side airbag device 1 is applicable not only to automobilesbut also to conveyances such as electronic vehicles, buses, aircrafts,and ships.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   B: Vehicle body-   : Vehicle body door-   S: Seat    -   S1: Seat back-   1: Side airbag device-   10: Airbag module-   11: Airbag-   12: Inflator    -   12A: Upper end-   13: Bolt-   14: Harness-   15: Bolt-   16: Nut-   20: Base member    -   20A: Base member body portion        -   20Aa: Front surface portion        -   20Ab: Pull-in groove    -   20B: Lower projecting portion        -   20Ba: Through-hole-   21: Airbag storage portion-   22: Bottom portion-   23: Side wall portion    -   23A: First side wall portion        -   23Aa: Side wall front end    -   23B: Second side wall portion-   24: First through hole-   25: Flange    -   25A: Inner peripheral surface-   26: Boss portion-   27: Skin pull-in slit-   28: Opening portion    -   28A: Opening upper end-   29: Bolt insertion hole-   30: Stay cloth-   31: First stay cloth    -   31A: First loop-shaped end portion (rear end)    -   31B: First loop sewn portion    -   31C: First sewn portion (front end)-   32: Second stay cloth    -   32A: Second loop-shaped end portion (rear end)    -   32B: Second loop sewn portion    -   32C: Second sewn portion (front end)-   40: Stay cloth bracket    -   40A: First end portion    -   40B: Second end portion-   41: First extending portion    -   41A: Convex portion    -   41B: Outer end portion-   42: Second extending portion (extending portion)-   43: Attachment portion-   44: Bead portion-   45: First slit portion    -   45A: First opening portion    -   45B: First bent portion    -   45C: First stay cloth holding portion-   46: Second slit portion    -   46A: Second opening portion    -   46B: Second bent portion    -   46C: Second stay cloth holding portion (stay cloth holding        portion)-   47: Concave portion-   48: Convex portion-   49: Bolt insertion hole-   50: Retainer member    -   50A: Retainer member-   51: Retainer body portion    -   51A: Retainer rear wall portion    -   51B: First retainer side wall portion (retainer side wall        portion)    -   51C: Second retainer side wall portion (retainer side wall        portion)        -   51Ca: Bolt insertion hole-   52: Second through hole-   53: Boss portion inserting through hole-   54: Harness attachment portion-   55: Concave portion-   56: Bead portion-   57: Third fastening portion-   58: Upper through hole-   59: Main body lower end portion-   60: Retainer attachment portion    -   60A: Main surface portion        -   60Aa: Curved portion    -   60B: Side surface portion        -   60Ba: Folded portion-   61: First fastening portion-   62: Second fastening portion-   63: Circumferential bead portion-   64: Bent portion-   70: Fracture portion-   71: Skin material-   72: Pad

The invention claimed is:
 1. A side airbag device provided between avehicle body and a seat comprising: an airbag module that includes aninflatable airbag and an inflator supplying a gas into the airbag; abase member that includes an airbag storage portion having a concaveshape and storing the airbag module, and is attached between a vehiclebody door and the seat; a stay cloth which guides the deployment of theinflatable airbag; and a stay cloth bracket which attaches the staycloth thereto, wherein the base member includes an opening portionformed on the base member, wherein the stay cloth bracket is attached tothe base member, and wherein at least a part of the stay cloth bracketoverlaps the opening portion.
 2. The side airbag device according toclaim 1, wherein the stay cloth bracket includes a stay cloth holdingportion which holds the stay cloth, and the stay cloth holding portionoverlaps the opening portion.
 3. The side airbag device according toclaim 1, wherein the inflator includes a bolt which protrudes outwardfrom the inflator, the stay cloth bracket includes a bolt insertion holethrough which the bolt is inserted, and the stay cloth bracket isfastened to the inflator by inserting the bolt through the boltinsertion hole.
 4. The side airbag device according to claim 3, furthercomprising a retainer member that holds the airbag storage portion froma rear side of the vehicle body, wherein the retainer member includes abolt insertion hole through which the bolt is inserted, and the staycloth bracket and the retainer member are fastened to the bolt of theinflator.
 5. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein thestay cloth bracket includes an attachment portion and an extendingportion which extends from the attachment portion, and the extendingportion includes a stay cloth holding portion which has a slit shape andholds the stay cloth.
 6. The side airbag device according to claim 1,further comprising a harness that is connected to the inflator, whereinthe base member includes a first through hole through which the harnessis inserted, and the first through hole is disposed at a positiondifferent from the opening portion on the base member.
 7. The sideairbag device according to claim 1, wherein the base member includes abottom portion and a side wall portion which extends forward from thebottom portion, and the opening portion is formed from the bottomportion to the side wall portion.
 8. A method for manufacturing a sideairbag device, wherein the side airbag device includes an airbag module,a base member, a stay cloth which guides the deployment of the airbagmodule and a stay cloth bracket, the airbag module has an inflatableairbag and an inflator supplying a gas into the inflatable airbag, thebase member has an airbag storage portion having a concave shape and anopening portion, the method comprising: attaching the base memberbetween a vehicle body door and the seat; storing the airbag module inthe airbag storage portion of the base member; attaching the stay clothbracket to the base member so that at least a part of the stay clothbracket overlaps the opening portion; and attaching the stay cloth tothe stay cloth bracket.